Rihanna Marks 20 Years in Music With Message of Gratitude and a Look Back at a Billion-Dollar Journey

Global pop icon and entrepreneur Rihanna marked the 20th anniversary of her debut album Music of the Sun on Friday with a retrospective message to fans and collaborators, highlighting the milestones that have shaped her transformation from teenage artist to cultural and business powerhouse.

The Barbadian-born performer, born Robyn Fenty, posted a video across her social media platforms that chronicled her two-decade career—spanning 14 Billboard Hot 100 No. 1 hits, an expanding business portfolio, and a growing list of philanthropic efforts. “Twenty years ago, I left my country, my culture, my food, and my family to embark on a journey that started with the release of my very first body of music,” she wrote. “I just wanted to take this moment to say thank you.”

Rihanna, now 37, leveraged early chart success—including 2005’s breakout hit “Pon de Replay”—into a diversified career that has made her one of the most influential entertainers and business figures of her generation. Her ventures include Fenty Beauty, a cosmetics brand valued in the billions, and Savage X Fenty, a lingerie line backed by investors including LVMH.

In her message, she credited her “loyal, die-hard” fan base, early champions in the industry, and her family for their role in her trajectory. “Twenty years of hard work, unforgettable experiences, and people who gave me a chance before it was ‘cool’ to,” she noted, adding that “the glory belongs to God.”

Music of the Sun debuted at No. 10 on the Billboard 200 and stayed on the chart for 35 weeks, laying the foundation for a career that has since transcended music. Today, Rihanna holds a rare position in pop culture—equally relevant in music, fashion, beauty, and philanthropy.

The post was tagged with #R20, the hashtag fans have used to commemorate the milestone. While new music remains a topic of ongoing speculation, Rihanna’s influence across sectors shows no signs of waning.